The ability of the city of Fort Smith to fund significant water system needs will be discussed Tuesday (Feb. 10) during a study session of the Fort Smith Board of Directors. Part of that will be a review of a detailed water system study completed in 2022.
Van Buren-based Hawkins-Weir Engineers provided the city a 92-page report in December 2022 that outlines work needed to ensure the city’s water system can meet future obligations. Projects identified include water transmission lines, water storage, pressure control, and ability to provide water to cities and other wholesale water users in the region.
“The purpose of this Report is to examine the adequacy of the Fort Smith Water System to serve residential, commercial, and industrial areas within and immediately south of the city limits,” the report noted. “This Report also includes recommended improvements within the distribution system to maintain adequate water supply volumes and pressures for projected demands.”
Director Christina Catsavis called for the board to again review the report as part of a discussion about proposed water system capital improvement projects.
Following are some of the details in the Hawkins-Weir report.
• Water usage has grown from 29.04 million gallons per day (MGD) in 2000 to 29.27 million in 2019. The report estimates water usage will rise to an average daily demand of 42.8 MGD in 2031, with a maximum daily demand – potential peak usage – of 53.6 MGD in 2031.
• Recommendations for a new 48-inch water integration include bringing in a new line to the east of Fort Smith in the Chaffee Crossing area, a 12-inch line and pressure reducing valve along south Zero Street, a pressure reducing valve in Chaffee Crossing, and a Planters Road 24-inch line with a pressure reducing valve.
• Water storage improvements include upgrades at the Crowe Hill pump station, the Woods pump station, the Fianna Hills water storage, and the Moody Road pump station.
• Other recommended projects in the report include $8.64 million in galvanized steel water line replacement, $7 million in small-diameter water line replacement, and $3.04 million in fire protection improvements.
• Capital improvements include an estimated $11.69 million for the North N Street 24-inch transmission line, and $15 million for the Towson Avenue water line.
• The report summary indicates a need for $382.631 million in system improvements between 2027 and 2035.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE
The board also is expected Tuesday to again review a proposed capital improvement plan for 2026 of $53.771 million. The work, if approved and fully funded, would result in an estimated negative fund balance of $233,181 to begin 2027.
“Possible funding sources for unfunded projects could include rate increases along the lines previously presented to the Board, impact fees, and incorporation of a surcharge mechanism for water volume usage above usage thresholds as establish by wholesale contract language,” Todd Mittge, director of engineering for the city, noted in a memo.
The board also is expected to discuss a proposed ordinance that would establish “accountability, disclosure, and standards for third party intermediaries in City transactions.” Director Christina Catsavis has proposed the ordinance.
Link here for the complete study session agenda.
